İkbal and Halil Günaydın Scholarship
Information
The İkbal and Halil Günaydın Scholarship honors the legacy of İkbal Günaydın and Halil Günaydın, who deeply valued education and believed in supporting young people. I established this scholarship to assist university students who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Priority will be given to individuals with financial needs for their educational journey, reflecting the values of resilience and support that my grandparents embodied throughout their lives.
Eligibility criteria:
- Be a full-time undergraduate/graduate student in Turkey.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0.
- Submit all required documents in Turkish by the end of June. The final decision is announced in August each year.
This scholarship provides financial support and is renewable based on eligibility. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the amount is 6,000 Turkish Lira (TL) per month.
Required Documents
Application Form: Applicants must provide personal details, family financial background, and educational information. Also, provide the contact information of an individual familiar with your academic achievements or financial needs in the relevant section of the Application Form. We may contact them directly if needed. The form is available below.
Personal Statement: Provide a one-page letter introducing yourself, sharing your background, and explaining how your identity, experiences, or circumstances have led you to apply for this scholarship. While applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, priority will be given to individuals with financial need in Turkey. For example, relocating outside Istanbul to the city for education and facing financial challenges, such as paying rent while studying, are considered sufficient eligibility factors. Use this letter to highlight your aspirations, values, and how this scholarship will support your journey.
Official Agreement: This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the scholarship, including the expectations of both parties. The agreement form is available below. Please read it carefully before beginning your application (print, complete by hand, and send scanned copies of the forms—do not fill them out electronically).
Letter of Commitment: Applicants are required to submit a signed Letter of Commitment, outlining their agreement to the terms and conditions of the İkbal and Halil Günaydın Scholarship. The agreement form is available below.
Other Documents: Submit a recent photograph, your most recent school transcript, and a CV or resume summarizing your education, achievements, and relevant experience.
Important Note:
Print, complete by hand, and send scanned copies of the Application Form, Official Agreement, and Letter of Commitment. Other documents may be prepared electronically.
How to Apply
To apply for the İkbal and Halil Günaydın Scholarship, you will need to submit a few documents and provide some personal information. We also ask for a personal statement that reflects your background and aspirations. Additionally, you will need to have one individual who knows you well and agrees to be your referee. All of this information will be requested in the application forms.
Follow these steps to apply for the İkbal and Halil Günaydın Scholarship:
Step 1
Complete the Application Form
Download, print, and complete the Application Form with accurate personal, family, and educational details. Please include one individual who knows you well and is willing to serve as your referee.
Step 2
Prepare the Remaining Documents
After completing your Application Form, you can finalize the following: Personal Statement, Official Agreement, Letter of Commitment, CV/Resume, one Photograph, and School Transcript.
Step 3
Submit Your Application
Email your completed forms and required documents to torunfatihh@gmail.com, with the title “Başvuru: İkbal ve Halil Günaydın Öğrenim Bursu, [Year]”. Ensure all materials are submitted in Turkish by the end of June, as we need the remaining time to process your application before the new academic year begins.
Step 4
Await Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed in July, and the final decision will be announced via email in August. Selected candidates may be contacted for a follow-up online interview.
honoring the lives of İkbal Günaydın and Halil Günaydın
The İkbal and Halil Günaydın Scholarship is dedicated to honoring the resilience and vision of my grandparents, both of whom overcame immense challenges and made significant contributions to their communities.
My grandmother, İkbal, was born in Paşpola/Paspala, Kırklareli, into a family of Balkan War refugees from Bulgaria. During and after the conflict, her family moved first to Ropçoz, Bulgaria, and later settled in Paşpola, Kırklareli, Turkey. İkbal was known for her remarkable manners and grace, qualities she held in the highest regard throughout her life. Her strong sense of dignity and respect for others left a lasting impact on all who knew her. We lost her in 2021 to the coronavirus, as she was unable to overcome it during the outbreak, but her spirit of kindness and resilience continues to inspire us.
My grandfather, Halil, was born in İskeçe, Greece. His father fought in the Greek army against the German forces during World War II, suffering serious injuries, including the loss of fingers. After his military service, he relocated with his family to İzmir, Turkey, and later settled in Istanbul as an immigrant. After overcoming significant challenges and starting from scratch, they soon earned their Turkish citizenship there. Despite their hardships, they built a new life and thrived, showing unwavering determination and strength. In 2020, Halil published his life story in a book titled Demokrat Bir Emekçinin Otobiyografisi: Halil Günaydın (1937-…), edited by M. Fatih Torun (Istanbul: Kubbealtı Yayıncılık, 2020).
Together, my grandparents forged successful lives in Istanbul, ultimately becoming Istanbulites, despite starting with very little. They were steadfast supporters of their communities, particularly in the Avcılar district, where they had long lived, believing deeply in the power of education and the importance of helping others. This scholarship is a tribute to their relentless efforts to survive, their commitment to supporting others, and their unwavering belief in the value of education for future generations.
further questions and forms
For any inquiries regarding the İkbal and Halil Günaydın Scholarship, please reach out using the contact information below:
- Email: torunfatihh@gmail.com
To begin your application, please download the required forms by clicking the buttons below. Ensure all forms are completed in Turkish and submitted as part of your application process.
Do not fill out the following three forms electronically—print each document, complete it by hand, and send the scanned versions.